About Us

EPS’s project manager and principal consultant, Tim Riecker, is recognized nationally as an expert in preparedness, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Mr. Riecker is a FEMA Master Trainer, certified as an HSEEP instructor, and a multitude of other courses, including those on NIMS/ICS, emergency planning, instructor development, and exercise management. Mr. Riecker has over two decades of experience in public safety, including local emergency response as a chief officer, state-level emergency management as a senior manager, and public safety consulting across the nation.

As former State Training Officer (STO) and Exercise Training Officer (ETO) for the State of New York and through his work as a consultant, Mr. Riecker has worked with stakeholders across the nation within public, private, and non-government organizations; in preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. He understands the needs of different stakeholders within various sectors and industries. He has a successful record of leading complex projects involving a variety of stakeholders, personnel, and timelines.

Mr. Riecker has participated in the management of 21 Presidentially declared disasters including the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks and hurricanes Katrina and Sandy; as well as other disasters and emergencies including capsized ships, airplane crashes, and numerous severe storms and floods. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, is a Certified Emergency and Disaster Professional (CEDP), and is an NFPA 3000 (Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response) Program Specialist.

Dr. Robin Riecker (Ed.D.), EPS’s partner, has been an educator for over twenty years and currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Herkimer College where she oversees programs including education, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and a phase I police academy. Robin specializes in education, needs assessment, research, and analysis and evaluation of policy and plans. She has presented nationally and internationally on instructional technologies and the use of dialogue to build competence and as an assessment tool. She has served as EPS’ Principal Investigator on a National Academies of Sciences Transportation Research Board project to validate airport emergency exercises and has provided subject matter expertise to a variety of other EPS projects.

Dr. Riecker serves as a representative of the college administration on the college’s emergency management team, which has addressed such issues as routine weather emergencies and utility outages, as well as acts of violence on or near the campus, such as the 2013 active shooter in the Village of Herkimer. Her knowledge, skills and leadership contribute to the individualized service and quality provided to the clients of EPS.

Ms. Sarah Ellis is a project assistant with EPS. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Public Health and Political Science and is pursuing her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Biosecurity and Disaster Preparedness. She has experience performing public health audits as a health ambassador and working knowledge of US Department of Education Title IX policies through her role on a St. Louis University advisory board.

Ms. Ellis has a passion for biosecurity and emergency management, seeking to continue participation in organizational and community initiatives to raise awareness, prevent, prepare, and decrease public risks and hazards.

Ms. Ellis provides extensive support to EPS projects, including planning, training, exercises, and AAR/IP development.